Former Chelsea star Hasselbaink hails Middlesbrough loan star Morris

Richard Mennear

BRYN Morris has been tipped for greatness by Burton Albion boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ahead of the weekend clash against his hometown club.

The Middlesbrough midfielder is currently on a month-long loan deal at the Brewers and former Boro legend Hasselbaink has been impressed with the 18-year-old’s impact.

Hartlepool-born Morris made his first start for the club at the weekend and he dazzled against Exeter City.

Managerless Pools, who are bottom of Sky Bet League Two, travel to fourth-placed Burton on Saturday and Morris is set to keep his place in the side.

Hasselbaink has won two and drawn one of his opening four matches in the Albion hot seat, and was quick to hail the England Under-19s captain after Saturday’s mature performance.

“Bryn was very good,” said the Dutchman.

“Obviously, the pace for him is sometimes high because it was his first full-time match.

“Bryn is a young boy, the pace at the end was a little too much for him and he was getting tired.

“But he did well and got himself in really good positions and created quite a bit.

“He’s got a very bright future ahead of him.”

Morris, who has also made two substitute appearances, has clearly impressed bosses at the Pirelli Stadium.

He was sent to the Midlands to gain first-team experience having impressed for Boro’s Under-21s earlier in the season under Paul Jenkins.

Morris, said: “It’s a different experience living in a hotel and having to drive to the stadium then going somewhere else to train before coming back for a meal.

“It’s different but I’m enjoying it and taking it in my stride.

“First-team experience is what I’m here for.”

Morris has already played three times for Boro – making his debut as a 16-year-old against Hastings Town in the FA Cup in January 2013 and then two second half substitute appearances at Sheffield Wednesday and Yeovil Town on the final day of the past two seasons.